My Never Ending Journey

Ice Patterns

I love to walk along the edge of a stream and explore the ice configurations that have been formed. My imagination wanders as I visualize different shapes created in the ice. This particular image reminded me of the tip of a maple leaf. The basic shape formed the edges of the leaf. I could also see the veins of the leaf within the ice crystal. I become hypnotized as I watch the water flow under and around the ice. The reflections create patterns of their own.

At times I get so intrigued by what I am seeing, I do not pay attention to some of my camera settings. For instance, this was shot at ISO 800 on a tripod. I could have easily reduced the ISO down two stops and still captured a nice image. Also, how would this image have looked if I would have slowed the shutter speed down to blur the water passing by the leaf. However, this was a walk in the woods enjoying the solitude and silence of nature. If I would have spent a lot of time working this image, the spontaneity would have been lost.

Lesson Learned: Maintain the balance of wonderment and the mechanics of capturing images. Many times it is best just to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.